Taking a break!

We are getting packed tonight to go to a friends parents cottage this weekend and are looking forward to some relaxing time on the lake with the Bolkema's.
Zach had his game last night and it was a great game despite the mosquitos. Their team won and their coach prayed with them afterward which was awesome. What a great season!
Maddie got a new pet this week ( a hermit crab) and Prince got a new snack! I'm not sure if she left it out or it got out but we got him on Wed., he went AWOL on Thursday and today I found a small part of him and a guilty looking dog. I'm just not sure how he ate the shell??

Please don't say anything to Maddie, she thinks he is on an adventure in our house. We hope you all have a great weekend!
Blessings,

Lori

What we've been up to

It has been a while since we did an update again. Summer is upon us and it has been nice being home again just getting back to "normal". The kids have been having fun playing with their friends in our neighborhood and have been really helpful around the house and helping Eric. With Zach home now, he has been a really big help since he is older and able to be home for Eric when I have to run out for quick errands. Eric is on a mostly organic fruit and vegatable diet right now which involves many trips to the grocery store. If you think about it, the reason some foods last so long is because of all of the perservatives added. It's frustrating having to shop more often in smaller amounts because I just love Costco!! But it really makes sense to not put anything extra in our bodies that God did not intend for them to process. It is very hard and I can't tell you how many times I ask Eric what do you want for dinner and he'll say a juicy bacon cheeseburger or a huge bowl of Carrabas pasta or a chocolate shake! Then he'll say OK, I'll have a salad or some veggies. We have added steak and chicken to the diet to give it variety, but no pork or fish. Our chiropractor pointed out to us "it's just fuel". A good way to think about it when you are craving something that has no nutritional value! Just some food for thought :)

We have shown our house twice last week and both parties have expressed some interest so we are waiting to see what happens with that and have really been praying for God's direction on where we should go. Building vs buying something more suitable with little renovation while we live there. Please pray that God would allow our house to sell and direct us to the right path for our future home.

Zach had a double header last Thursday to make up some baseball games and they won both of their games. Zach hit an in park home run in the last inning and brought in three runs tying up the game and he was so excited! It is such a joy to see your child be good at something and really love being part of a team. We had a great team this year and a wonderful coach. Thank you Ron and all of the great dads and moms who helped out! At the end of that night, Zach's team was awarded trophies for the team champs for the minor league and then 5 of them were chosen to play in the all stars this week. Zach was one of them and he is excited!! He will be playing under the lights this Thursday at 8:00 pm for at Georgetown Little league field 11 for any of you who are able to come out!

Eric has been meeting with some people at the ALS Association this past week to see how he can be used to help advocate ALS and help find a cure! He is also busy doing things on his own with my brother to see what difference can be made. He has passion and purpose through this disease that inspires me as his wife and others too!
We are planning some short trips this summer to some cottages with friends in Michigan and a Tiger game and trip to Cedar Point which we are really looking forward to!!

Be blessed this week and enjoy life and where God has you for a reason!!
Lori

A letter from Eric's sister Julie

Eric's sister Julie wrote this very touching note to us and wanted us to put it on our blog so here it is: We love you, Julie!!

Let me tell you about my brother, Eric. He is a faithful, devoted, and caring man. He has always been there for me and my family. His drive and passion are amazing in finding a cure for this horrible disease that he has. He is not going down without a fight.

To know where Eric is today and where he used to be is amazing. Growing up Eric and I did not have it easy. We had loving parents and did their best to teach us right from wrong. Sometimes I think that Eric should have been my older brother instead of my younger brother. He was always looking out for me and making sure that my friends were "good" enough for him. Giving me lectures when he thought that I needed and listening to me when I needed it. Sticking by each other when we were getting into trouble(which was never, ha-ha). Eric and I have stories that will always be with us to the end. There were times when we wanted to strangle each other. We had our share of fights as well; that did not make mom and dad too happy either. I know that we pushed our "luck" with mom and dad.

When I found out that he has ALS, I thought to myself, how could this be happening. How could this happen to our family. Eric is truely an inspiration to me. I know that I would not be this far in my faith if it was not for him. He just kept telling me to have faith and God would take care of the rest. I need to believe in that God will provide and love me just the way that I am. When Eric got saved; he was shouting it from the roof top, I was very happy for him. Eric has the most wonderful wife and children. He is a devoted and loving husband and father. Lori is a wonderful woman and an asset to our family. Zachary and Madison are unique and special as well. I have told Eric in the past to count his blessings and recount if necessary. Now it is my turn to count my blessings because of Eric and Lori. God knew what he was doing when he sent our parents looking for us. Eric and I were "hand picked" by God for our parents. For those of you who do not know what I am talking about; Eric and I are adopted.

Eric, I am very blessed to have you in my life. What you have taught me in this past year has been truely amazing. It has opened my eyes to a lot of different things. Even being at the lowest point in my life, you are there. Sometimes I feel like I complain a lot, you are always there to listen to me. It should be the other way around. Eric, please do not change, I can not tell you how much you mean to me and to our family. I am glad that you are fighting this disease to the end, you are a stronger man because of it. You have taught our family a lot and I pray that you continue to do so. I love you Eric, more than words can say. I am very proud to be your sister.
LOL
Julie

YouTube - foxtrotter88's Channel

YouTube - foxtrotter88's Channel

ONE HAPPY FAN!

MITCH ALBOM STANLEY'S TRAVELS
A promise kept, a life touched, a Cup delivered
Ozzie, Mr. I bond with ALS battler
BY MITCH ALBOM • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • June 13, 2008

CORONA DEL MAR, Calif. -- You often hear pro athletes -- especially pro hockey players -- talk about "riding the bike." They mean the stationary bike exercise machine, and they ride it to train, to recuperate, to push their lungs and muscles. Some hockey stars all but live on those things.
Well, the man who co-created the stationary bike industry, the man who, about 30 years ago, started a company called Life Fitness, which produced the Lifecycle, is a guy named Augie Nieto. You've probably never met him. And none of the Red Wings -- despite countless hours on stationary bikes -- had ever met him.
Until Wednesday.
On Wednesday, one Red Wing met him. It wasn't a business meeting. It wasn't a product pitch. The meeting took place inside Augie Nieto's home in southern California.
The Red Wing was Chris Osgood.
He brought the Stanley Cup.
He carried it, two-handed, through the front door and down the stairs. He carried it through a living room. He put it on a table near a man who sat in a wheelchair, unable to move his arms or his torso.
"How ya doing?" Osgood asked.
A punishing disease
Well, how's Augie doing? On the one hand, you could say he is not doing well. He has ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. It struck him three years ago, in the prime of his life, age 47, when he thought he had everything going for him: beautiful wife, beautiful kids, gorgeous home, millions in the bank, a life of adventure and accomplishment. In fact, it was during a water-skiing trip through the Mekong Delta in Vietnam (and let's be honest, how many regular folk do that?) that Augie sensed something wrong. He fell a few times, and his muscles weren't reacting the way they should.
Soon after, he got the diagnosis. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His body, of which he had been so proud, was on a path to unavoidable decay. And his life, at least as this fitness mogul had known it, was doomed to slip away. Everything he took for granted, in time, would need to be done by someone else for him, including bathing, dressing, brushing his teeth.
Or lifting the Stanley Cup and putting it across his lap.
Which Chris Osgood did on Wednesday.
"How does it feel?" the goalie asked.
"I feel," Augie said, his words coming slowly, "like a champion."
There's more to that sentence than you could ever know. Augie, after an initial bout of depression, decided to make the most of whatever time he had left. He created a new business of sorts, this one called Augie's Quest, and its sole purpose would be finding a cure for ALS. It would be run like a business, with businesslike goals and businesslike efficiency. It would be funded with contributions from Augie and from others. To date, he has raised -- get this -- more than $14 million. Yet he has no illusions about a cure that would heal his own body.
His dreams are for others.
And in thinking that way, even as he sank into a wheelchair, he has risen to new heights. He authored a book about his experiences (called "Augie's Quest") and is at work on a second (called "Reciprocity, Incorporated"). In this one, he is interviewing successful business people like himself who have found a compelling need to give back.
One of the people he interviewed was Mike Ilitch, owner of the Red Wings, Tigers and Little Caesars. After an hour-long meeting last month in his Detroit office, Ilitch was so impressed with Augie, even though he could not move from his wheelchair, that Ilitch promised to bring him the Stanley Cup if his team won it.
Augie thanked him and headed home.
And the Red Wings developed one very anxious fan in southern California.
The joy of Stanley
"What were you thinking," Augie asked Osgood, as he looked at the Cup, "in the last 10 seconds of the playoffs?"
Osgood grinned. He knew Augie meant the final play, when Osgood went sprawling to the ice to block the last, desperate shot by the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of the finals. The puck never got in the net. The blue light flashed.
"I couldn't wait to get back up," Osgood said.
For Augie, and others with ALS, getting back up will remain a dream. But rising up is another matter. What Augie has done is inspire people around him into action. His pureness of spirit makes people energized to work with him, to battle ALS, to pool their efforts to try harder. It's as if he taps into that part of people that is hidden by the everyday craziness and only gets revealed when you realize all of our days are numbered in some way.
Augie does all this while in a wheelchair, while needing to be fed or have his tears wiped, while typing with his toes on a computer, and while following your gaze with his own constantly smiling eyes, which miss nothing. Having Lou Gehrig's disease may turn your body into a prison, but your mind is sharper than ever.
And so Augie's mind was racing Wednesday morning, taking it all in. He had never seen the Stanley Cup. Around him were children, friends, cameras and video cameras. People posed with the Cup and took snapshots. Women kissed it. Men touched it with reverence. Osgood held the Cup over Augie's head and some people pushed Augie's arms to make it look as if he were holding it up as well.
"I feel like I'm part of a legacy," Augie said, his slurred words being translated by his son, Austin.
"Dynasty," Augie corrected.
"Dynasty," Austin said.
Actually, he is part of both. The legacy of spreading the Stanley Cup from NHL arenas to hospitals, swimming pools, playgrounds and even living rooms of everyday people.
And the dynasty of the human spirit, which touches one person, who touches another and another and another. You could see Osgood's face change while he was in that living room. He had been on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" the night before. He was headed to a Hollywood movie premiere of "The Love Guru." But none of those places would yield the magic he was seeing at that moment. "I like doing this stuff best of all," Osgood admitted.
He posed with Augie. He put his arm on his shoulder. They talked. They laughed. Then the phone rang, and it was Mr. Ilitch, calling to see how it was going.
"You're a special guy," Ilitch told Augie.
"Thank you," Augie said. "Now we have to get the Tigers going."
Ilitch laughed.
There is a small detail of this story that has been left out. A few days after the Detroit meeting, Augie and his wife, Lynne, were back in their southern California house, and Lynne was going through the mail. Lots of junk. She impulsively threw out a batch of letters. Then something made her go back and pick one up. The handwriting on the front. She opened it.
A check from the Red Wings for $50,000 for Augie's Quest.
She grabbed another envelope from the trash. A check for $100,000 from the Tigers.
She grabbed one more. A check for $100,000 from Little Caesars.
One life touches another and another. So does a particular silver trophy, carried this week by a good-hearted goalie who held it over the head of a good-hearted fitness giant who no longer can do it himself.
"Amazing," Augie whispered.
How's he doing? Well, you could say he's doing great. And if he can be doing great, we can, too.
For more information on Augie's Quest and how to make a donation, go to augiesquest.org. Contact MITCH ALBOM at 313-223-4581 or malbom@freepress.com. Catch "The Mitch Albom Show" 5-7 p.m. weekdays on WJR-AM (760). Also catch "Monday Sports Albom" 7-8 p.m. Mondays on WJR. To read his recent columns, go to www.freep.com/mitch.

INSIGHTFUL THINGS I'VE BEEN READING

by: Dr. Napoleon Hill


During these times of lack of harmony among men and nations, when the world is rocked with chaos and strife and lack of faith, what greater work could a man engage in than that of planting constructive thoughts where destructive ones grew before? You have influence with a certain number of people and if you wish to exercise that influence so it will bring you the greatest return in happiness and in fortune you will lay aside all hatred or prejudice which may have fastened itself upon you and devote every ounce of your influence to helping men see the folly of strife and struggle and destructive effort. In thus wielding your influence for good you may be sure that your efforts will return to you, like a boomerang, not to curse but to bless you and yours, for as surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west the world will hand you back that which you hand it. You can be a man with a grievance or a man with a message; you can be a BUILDER or a DESTROYER, but make sure of this, that you can no more tear down without in turn being torn down, than you could sow wild mustard and reap a harvest of oats.





Source: Napoleon Hill's Magazine, Volume 1, November, 1921, Number 7, back cover.






Each of us is responsible for making a difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Therefore, each of us is a potential teacher and needs to be aware of this role. All teachers model behaviors, intentional or not, and students replicate those behaviors, good or bad.
If we agree to the fact that there is one aspect that we cannot afford to overlook when giving ourselves a success makeover -that being ourselves -, then the hand held mirror serves as a good prop. The mirror becomes a metaphor for introspection and introspection is the one crucial aspect that develops our success consciousness. Dr. Hill states: "You do not see your real self when you look into a mirror. You only see the house in which your real self lives."
Why a mirror? Well, to really see something we must observe, and to analyze something we must look within before we can conjecture about what is to happen without. As you gaze into the mirror, I would like you to consider these four characteristics that underscore personal development.
First, a renewed self calls for checks on personal performance and individual perception. To reference an unknown monk from 1100A.D.who wanted to change the world, he eventually understood that before the world, nation, community,or family could be impacted by anyone, that person must first change himself. We become the solution from the inside out - not from the outside in. Here comes the mirror part - look within for the answers!!!
Second, we need to profess action, not dialogue, when dealing with renewal. As teachers (and we all are), we need to know the progression of learning. Bloom identifies six "stair steps" to learning. Beginning at ground level they are: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Bloom indicates that to know a concept in all its intricate detail, one must progress actively through the stages of learning. Consider that application is halfway up the ladder of learning and comes before the evaluation stage. Before we can formulate an educated opinion we must have some basis in real life experience, i.e., application. For example, Napoleon Hill states: "Opinions are the cheapest commodity on earth. Everybody has them." Here comes the mirror part - can you observe and measure yourself actively doing something? Or, is your best advice just an opinion, and not an educated one at that? Dr. Hill tells us to develop a plan and then work the plan. Can you catch yourself in your mirror working the plan by walking the talk?
Third, renewal screams for outcome. Are you on a diet, an exercise program, or a day-by-day spiritual reformation? Well, then, you expect results such as weight loss, a stronger body, and increased spirituality as you progress. If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. Obviously, you must have a plan to reach a destination. Working the plan creates a roadmap. If we know the direction we are going, subsequent steps in the right direction will get us there even if we only take one step at a time. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. states, "Where we stand is not as important as the direction in which we are moving." Here comes the mirror part - can you see yourself moving in the direction of your dream? If not, turn around.
Finally, success consciousness causes introspection coupled with ongoing personal assessment. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" is an often heard quotation that still rings true. Have some fun with this. Try substituting your favorite noun - concrete or abstract - for country and hear how purposeful it sounds.
Ask not what your job can do for you, ask what you can do for your job. Ask not what your dreams can do for you, ask what you can do for your dreams. Ask not what your mother can do for you, ask what you can do for your mother. Ask not what your Church can do for you, ask what you can do for your Church.
This little activity guides you toward creating a goal and a direction. It builds enthusiasm. It propels you to an outcome. Here comes the mirror part - see that star in the background? Hitch your wagon to it.
Reflect an attitude of gratitude.
Look for evidence of good things [blessings] sent to us by God.
Now, you have refocused and you can see the mirror images in a much clearer fashion. Throw out the drudgery and revitalize yourself by focusing on behaviors and outcomes. Remember the least action is worth far more than the greatest intention. Do not intend to act. Act. Ask people how you are doing. Listen to what is said, but recall you are only receiving someone else's opinion. Distill it for what it is worth. Do less and accomplish more. But, do it now.
Finding your definite major purpose requires that you uncover what you do best. Don't force interest where none exists. Intensify versus trivialize. Do only what is significant to you, but do it well. All Rosa Parks had to do was sit, but this action seated her in our nation's history. Just sit. Sounds wonderful. Think about it. One thought, one vibration, one idea can create a rippling effect that could change the course of the world.
Looking at our selves promotes introspection. Acute observation serves as a catalyst for growth and development. When we look within, we promote movement beyond the problem toward the solution. When we look within, the significance of attitudes becomes apparent. When we look within, we uncover universal laws for success.


“Whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is kind, if there is any virtue, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).



What you think about determines the quality and direction of your life. Naturally, people who think positive, uplifting thoughts have happier, healthier, longer lives. They are less stressed, more vibrant and enjoy better sleep. That’s why the scripture encourages us to think on good things—things that are true, noble and lovely. Some translations say to “fix your mind” on them. When you fix your mind on noble things, you close the door to the negative voices and open your heart to allow God to work in your life. Choose today to fix your mind on good things. Do whatever you need to in order to keep those good thoughts before you. Write them on note cards and put them in a place where you can see them. Confess God’s promises over your life and declare His blessing on a daily basis. As you fix your mind on the goodness of God, you will rise higher in every area of your life. You will be filled with His peace and victory.



I hope some of this helps...have blessed week!

Your brother in Christ,

Eric

WHY WAIT ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE...LET'S START CHANGING THE WORLD ONE PERSON AT A TIME!

When I was younger, I used to dream about changing the world. My childhood wasn't the most joyous period in my life as many of ours weren't. I always thought, when I got older that I would spread some joy in the world and help make it a better place. I heard something this morning at Lori's parents church in Holland for Father's day, the Pastor was talking about making a difference in one persons life. He used the parable in Luke 16 (19-31) about the rich man and poor beggar Lazarus. He talked about how one person can make a difference in someone's life. We can change the world one person at at time if we learn from this parable the "hidden message". This person could be in front of you every day just like the beggar at his steps. What are we doing to make a difference? It makes me more aware of the people around me and their needs. Am I paying attention or do I even see what they need or what they may be going through. Convicting! Most of the time we are caught up in our own lives and business. Just some food for thought especially when you read of their eternal rewards and punishments. (heaven vs. hell) I want to be like Lazarus.

We watched a movie tonight that my parents just saw called the Bucket List which was about two men who were dying of Cancer who made a list of things to do before they "kicked the bucket" and it made us think of things you want to experience and also what kind of legacy we want to leave behind.

Today I (Lori) want to wish Eric and all fathers a wonderful Father's Day! I watch him laugh after the dog has eaten another onion that has fallen on the floor from my poor feeding ability and think of how much I love him. I know that sounds strange, but we see each other in a much different light now and appreciate small things about each other. It is not always easy to see things from each others perspectives, but so important for us. We laugh and cry together and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so thankful that God chose to put us together nearly 18 years ago. That is half of my lifetime!

“He raised us up together with Him…that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing riches of His free grace, His unmerited favor…” Ephesians 2:6-7 AMP.

We serve a God of unlimited grace, favor and blessing. He longs to show us His goodness and pour out His abundance in our lives. When God sees us, He sees unlimited possibility. He sees unlimited potential. He sees unlimited resources. God’s grace and favor in our life enables us to become what He sees, but we have to first open our heart and take the limits off. We limit God in our thinking. Thoughts of doubt, unbelief and unforgiveness in our heart will close the door to His favor. In Mark chapter 6, it says that Jesus could do no mighty works in a particular town because of the unbelief of the people. It works the same way today. But when we choose thoughts of faith and expectancy, we are opening the door for God to work in our life. We are taking the limits off. We are giving Him the opportunity to multiply what we have in our hand. Choose to take the limits off by choosing His thoughts of victory.

God is so good to me!

Make a difference this week in someones life; keep your eyes & heart open where you might join God in changing the world one person at a time.

Love your brother in Christ,

Eric

Inspired reading in the word of God

my dad and I after being diagnosed w/ALS

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

II Corinthians 12:9

“But now since you have been set free from sin…you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life”
Romans 6:22

Holiness is a powerful force in our lives. It leads us to eternal life. Holiness simply means being “set apart.” You are set apart when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He makes His home in you, and His holiness lives on the inside of you, too. The Bible tells us that without holiness, no one can see God. God sets us apart and calls us His own, but it’s up to us to continue living a life that is set apart from sin and destructive influences. We have to set ourselves apart from our old ways, old behaviors, and old mindsets. Remember, God chose to set you apart for Himself because He loves you. He doesn’t want anything to keep you from His promises and blessings. Make the decision to let go of anything that would hold you back today. Remember, you are set apart for God’s purposes. Let that sink down into your heart today and fill you with hope. As you embrace holiness and live a life that is set apart, you will see God, and you will live the abundant life He has in store for you.

Have a blessed day!

Eric

Reunion Week!

It has been another busy week and sorry again for the delay in updating the blog. This summer, our hope is to update the blog once a week unless something more urgent comes up or prayer is needed.
Eric received some e-mails from friends from High School last week which came as a nice surprise. They were encouraging to him and brought back many memories of his younger days. Last week we were also able to have dinner with our dear old friends, the Campbell's who we haven't seen in about two and a half years. It was so great to see them again and see how much their kids have grown up. You can always tell how long it's been by how much the kids have grown when you don't see people. Kids grow and change so fast! We laughed so hard we cried talking about old times together. We knew them in our first home where Zach was born and our front door was lined up directly with their back door about twenty feet apart in a trailer park so we had some crazy memories of life in a trailer park with young children. Kelly used to watch Zach when he was a baby and the recent weather reminded me of the day she called me at work during a tornado watch and said they were all in the bathtub! Those were the days!! Our families have been blessed over the years and we are so grateful.
Zach is still playing baseball and his team is doing great and they are 9-1 with three more games this week plus a few makeup games coming. He loves to play and has been testing his skills at pitching this season. Madison finished her swimming lessons at the Y this week and she passed to the next level! She has come such a long way this year as a swimmer and we hope to be spending lots of time by water this summer. She prefers cold weather so when it is hot out, she likes to be in the water.
We also did more lift chair shopping this week returning to Talsma's and Art Van. We decided on a chair at Art Van which is the largest we could find for Eric's size and had to order it. What decided it for me was seeing Eric and Maddie sitting side by side in it all cozy. It is a very wide chair and I love that the kids will be able to cuddle up with Eric when they want to. The good news was they were offering 20% off that week and ordering the chair would have a better warranty than the floor model which ended up being the same cost with the discount. Plus we got to pick the color and fabric this way too. The only downside is it takes 6-8 weeks to deliver.
We will receive a portion of the chair back from Medicare for the motor and the rest will be covered from the trust fund from our fundraiser! Praise the Lord!!
We again want to express our deepest gratitude for all of the work that was put into the fundraiser and to all of the people who came out to the event and for all of the love and support we have received. All of the money that was raised is in a trust fund for Eric for future needs such as a lift chair or a van or other things that aren't covered by Medicare or the VA. What a comfort to know that we will be taken care of in the midst of the changes that may come with this disease. That is a huge burden lifted from us just because people care and God used them to help us!
Saturday was a work day after Zach's game because we had an open house today. I was planning on painting the porch this week and never got to it and thought I would do it when I got home and clean the house too. My parents showed up at Zach's game and came over before going to festival and my dad ended up painting the porch and some of the trim for about 4 hours in the hot sun while my mom and the rest of us cleaned like crazy all day from the basement to the garage and the yard. Thank you mom and dad!! Thank you also to Dan J and his son who have been mowing our lawn this summer!!
The open house brought about 6 couples through one who was interested, but have a house to sell. We have another showing set up tomorrow so hopefully we can keep the house clean.
We had an ALS Support group this afternoon and we are just plain exhausted!
I know I keep saying this, but next week things should be slowing down with school being done. I think we will sleep in til noon for the next week to celebrate summer break and to catch up on our sleep.
Eric has been very fatigued this week and I have to say somewhat discouraged. Every morning he wakes up and he still has the disease. He knows that God has the power to heal him and he told me he always wakes up thinking that maybe this will be the day! We got our report from the ALS clinic this week again which is always very discouraging. She noted that there is marked weakness in the right side of his face and fasiculations in his tongue. What does this mean?? It's not something that he notices so it would be almost better not to know those things if there is nothing that can be done about it. Please keep us in your prayers! Have a blessed week!
Lori and Eric

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 16
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.